Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and compare it with the single cut-off WHO defines for men and women.
Enter your waist and hip measurements, then click Calculate.
How Does the Formula Work?
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple but powerful health metric that measures the distribution of body fat. Unlike BMI, which estimates total body fat from height and weight, WHR specifically assesses where fat is stored; around the abdomen (central obesity) or around the hips and thighs. Central fat distribution is more strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome than peripheral fat.
WHO cut-off, one per sex (Table A1):
Men: ≥0.90 = substantially increased risk
Women: ≥0.85 = substantially increased risk
WHO defines no band below these values.
Body Shape Classification:
Pear (Gynoid): fat stored in hips/thighs; below the cut-off
Apple (Android): fat stored in abdomen; at or above the cut-off
Example: Waist 85 cm, Hip 100 cm
WHR = 85 ÷ 100 = 0.85
Men: below the cut-off | Women: substantially increased risk
The cut-off comes from Table A1 of the World Health Organization report Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation (Geneva, 8 to 11 December 2008; published 2011; ISBN 978 92 4 150149 1). That table lists one waist-hip ratio value per sex, 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women, against "substantially increased" risk of metabolic complications. It contains no low or moderate band, and the values 0.99 and 1.00 appear nowhere in the report. WHO publication record
How to Measure Correctly
Accurate measurements are essential for a meaningful WHR result. For the waist, wrap a flexible tape measure around the narrowest part of your torso; typically at the navel level or the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone. Stand relaxed, exhale normally, and ensure the tape is snug but not compressing the skin. For the hips, measure the widest part of the buttocks with feet together. Keep the tape parallel to the floor in both cases. Measure directly on the skin or over thin clothing for best accuracy.
Why Fat Distribution Matters
Research consistently shows that abdominal (visceral) fat poses greater health risks than fat stored in the hips and thighs. Visceral fat surrounds internal organs and is metabolically active; it releases inflammatory compounds and hormones that increase insulin resistance, raise blood pressure, and elevate LDL cholesterol. The Nurses' Health Study and other large epidemiological studies found that women with a WHR above 0.88 had a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those below 0.72, even when their BMI was normal. This is why WHR is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI alone.
WHO Thresholds and Body Shape
The World Health Organization sets one waist-to-hip ratio cut-off for each sex, 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women, above which it describes the risk of metabolic complications as substantially increased. It grades nothing below those values, so a ratio under the cut-off is simply under it rather than a graded "low" score. The thresholds differ because men and women naturally store fat in different patterns; men tend toward abdominal storage while women tend toward hip and thigh storage due to hormonal differences. An "apple" shape (high WHR, abdominal fat) carries more metabolic risk than a "pear" shape (low WHR, hip fat).
WHR Alongside Other Metrics
No single measurement captures the full picture of health. WHR is most useful when combined with BMI, waist circumference alone, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and fasting glucose. The American Heart Association recommends using waist circumference and WHR in addition to BMI for cardiovascular risk assessment. Some research suggests that waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) may be an even better predictor than WHR, with a universal threshold of 0.5 for both sexes. Your healthcare provider can determine which combination of metrics is most relevant for your individual situation.
Tips & Recommendations
Always measure at the same time of day and body position. Morning before eating gives the most consistent waist reading.
Apple shape (abdominal fat) carries higher cardiovascular risk than pear shape (hip fat). WHR captures this distinction that BMI misses.
Men and women have different thresholds because hormones cause different fat storage patterns. Always select the correct gender for accurate risk assessment.
WHR is one piece of the puzzle. Your doctor evaluates it alongside blood tests, blood pressure, family history, and lifestyle factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
WHR is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It indicates where your body stores fat: around the waist (apple shape) or around the hips (pear shape). WHO uses WHR as an indicator of abdominal fat distribution, tied to the risk of metabolic complications.
What are the WHO thresholds?
WHO defines one cut-off per sex, not a scale: 0.90 or above for men and 0.85 or above for women indicate substantially increased risk of metabolic complications. WHO sets no low or moderate band below those values, and the three-tier tables common on the web are not WHO's.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually at the navel level or just above it. Stand relaxed, exhale normally, and use a flexible tape measure snug against the skin without compressing it.
How do I measure my hips correctly?
Measure around the widest part of your buttocks. Stand with feet together, wrap the tape measure around the fullest point, keeping it parallel to the floor.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR and BMI measure different things. BMI estimates total body fat from height and weight. WHR assesses fat distribution. Central fat around the waist is more strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome than overall body fat. Using both gives a more complete picture.
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